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Rooney, arguably one of the finest strikers in Europe, will miss at least six weeks due to a broken metatarsal bone in his right foot -- the same injury he suffered in the quarterfinals of Euro 2004 that sidelined him for 10 weeks.

Despite this huge loss, England still sit at 13/2 odds to win the World Cup and 3/5 odds to come out on top in Group B. But bettors beware, not only is the English squad without Rooney for most or possibly all of the World Cup, but Michael Owen also can’t be expected to be at 100% by June 10th, when England opens their schedule against Paraguay.

Owen, who on December 31 also suffered a broken foot, made his return last Saturday as a second-half substitute for Newcastle but said he finished the game still feeling some slight discomfort.

This is all good news for Sweden, Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago, who are all sitting in Group B with England. Sweden, who have been pegged at 2/1 odds to win the group, should feel very confident to come out on top. Led by strikers Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson, the Swedes cruised through qualifying, scoring 30 goals and conceding only four in 10 matches. It’s also a good idea to keep in mind the Swedish squad hasn’t lost to England since 1968, which includes a 1-1 draw in the group stage in the 2002 World Cup.

Barring any slips against Paraguay and Trinidad & Tobago, England should be bound for the second round. But if they are unable to win the group, a second round date with Germany is more than likely -- a date that could end with a kiss goodbye for a Rooney-less England team.